Coastal Management Planner

Oversee the upkeep and protection of beaches and coastlines.

Quick Stats

Salary Range

$89,000 – $155,000

Data from U.S. Department of Labor

What do Coastal Management Planners do?

The world’s coastlines are popular places for people to live, play, and—perhaps most importantly—work. Offshore Wind Technicians harvest wind for energy, Marine Biologists study the wildlife, and Coastal Engineers help safely develop the area where land meets sea. Coastal Management Planners help research and coordinate all of these, and many other activities.

As a Coastal Management Planner, you have your hands in a variety of projects. From the aquarium proposal on the south side to the housing community on the north, you offer your advice about every project on the coastline. That advice takes into account local habitat, current coastal-protection policies, human use, commercial endeavors, and erosion prevention.

While all projects hit your desk at one time or another, much of your job involves the maintenance of existing beaches, recreational areas, residential developments, and business operations. While topics continually come up, the main goal of your position as a Coastal Management Planner is to evaluate and implement plans to combat or plan for flooding and erosion. That might mean planning for the day erosion takes one hillside back to the sea, or building seawalls to protect other portions of the coastline.

Obviously, the job requires a lot of decision making. You also need strong supervisory skills to manage researchers, Engineers, and other staff. While you juggle many roles to make it happen, your reward is a well-planned, beautiful, useful, and accessible coastline for all to enjoy.

Should I be a Coastal Management Planner?

You should have
a
master's
degree or higher and share these traits:

Persistent:
You keep pushing through, even when faced with tough obstacles.

Leader:
You're good at taking charge, giving directions, and inspiring other people.

Ready for a Challenge:
You jump into new projects with initiative and drive.